new questions about a 1977 24 pantera
 

Hello all I've been a member for a little while now but now I have some questions about a 1977 pantera 24 I'm looking at. The boat has a stern powr drive, velvet trans and 454. I'm not very familiar with older boats and am weary of the steering set up. the steering is all linkage and cables and has two holes on back of boat where steering rods come out then two rods connect to drive. Also the owner said one of the rods going to the outdrive must be undone before putting outdrive up. Any input and how would you upgrade this steering? Thank you

Not familiar with that setup, got any pics of the boat? Here is a vid of my 24, P.S. it may be for sale:eekdrop:

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-_4V9zkVgQ[/YOUTUBE]

Yeah I'm working on setting a Photobucket now pics will be soon to come. Nice boat probably out of my price range a kitten though lol this boat seems to be a sweet deal just needs a lot of small things and some updating but I love the styling. Just the steering has me worried a bit

what speed do you run with the single outboard?

Not sure, but it might be worth sending Ironman a PM, he may be able to help with some questions reguarding your steering, not sure exactly what model your drive is but he had an MX-107 Stern Powr..

Runs 60 right now, could do some mods to the motor for a few MPH, but for the price of the upgrades I decided to keep it stock, and reliable, at least until I can go all the way with an STR300+:evilb:

I am in no need to sell it fast, so it is priced accordingly. Believe me though, once you start rebuilding one of these, the bills pile up in a hurry. For what I have into this one, I could have bought one 10-15 years newer turn key(and not busted my back rebuilding this one). My boat is a 1981(I know, it says 1982 in my avatar, been that way for years, musta been drunk when I typed it), and it was pretty much a bare hull, and a basket case at that when I got it. New transom, stringers, floors, newer(used) interior, new wiring, custom dashboard, new paint and glasswork, big stereo system, new trailer, the list goes on and on.

Here are a few more pics, hope Pete dont mind me posting them, boat now has standup bolsters, and the old sitdown 3 man from the pics is the back seat.

http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/...asota/sar3.jpg

http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/...asota/sar2.jpg

http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/...asota/sar1.jpg

http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/...asota/sar4.jpg

Thanks for the suggestions and that's a great looking boat I just like the sound of a big block is all and I know the bills will pile up fast with a project boat

post some pics of the whole boat bro. i have a 77 and i'd like to see yours for comparison. not too many 77's around.

Are you sure that it is not external hynautic hydraulic rams and a hynautic helm, that was a common setup for external back then.

ill get some more pics uploaded asap. and im not sure it could be. does the hynautic helm steering use a power steering pump? this is all manualy operated with cable and linkages

IRONMAN that's not hynautic ! Those are not rams . I saw that set up before on a early Superboat also . That system looks sketche . Wouldn't want to run over about 40mph with that . I don't know how much of a resto your gonna do on this 77 but the steering is one upgrade that is a must !

"this is all manualy operated with cable and linkages"
Is there a standard steering there also? That sounds like the steering in my 1978 13ft Whaler! :eek:

I'd find it hard to believe that it left the factory w/ such an underperforming(unsafe) steering mechanism.
Have you tried contacting Jo/Pepe?

Check a few of these pics... also an earlier 24 w/ sternpower.

Cable and Linkage ! No cylinders !

with all the bravo stuff available reasonable id be cutting a different hole in the transom and adding external steering if your planning on going fast. that set up looks pretty scary. can you even get parts for that set up anymore?

Why do i take chit when mentioning that?:helmet:

856, are you sure this is a pantera?
What's the HIN?

lol im looking for steering myself just waiting for a decent deal to pop up. people are asking new prices for used stuff ugh..

Tractor Supply Store ! LOL !

Sorry I did not see the picture, The only drives with that had as we used to call it "mickey mouse" steering with the cable out the back were the "canister style" "stringer" OMC's

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2869225301.html (I love his spelling)

I'm pretty sure that he is posting about this boat, I saw that and was kinda curious as to what you would pay for that? I would love to look at it but it's a 3 hour drive and I am totally scared of the work.. So I called him and he has owned the boat for two years and his buddy owned it since new. He said the thing has been babied it's whole life and it's really nice and bla bla bla.. but if it's really nice why is it only 4500? what would you guys expect for a NICE one

Its got a round deck.

so does mine :whistle:

the first four had round decks. check the picture of #1 in the photo section of the pantera website. i own #2.

the hin will tell us if it's really a pantera or another p&d 24-7.